Here we highlight just a sampling of the crusaders and visionaries whose efforts have helped light the way forward for mental health care in California. The list is far from complete, and we’ll continue to build, bringing you the stories of champions working to transform the treatment landscape and elevate mental health as a public policy priority.

Karen Larsen

Director, Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency

IMPACT: Giving new definition to integrated care

Karen Larsen shines a beacon of innovation from Yolo County, where she has led the Health and Human Services Agency since May 2016, with a special focus on knocking down silos and redefining what it means to provide whole-person, whole-community care.

Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola

Director, UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities

Dr. Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola has dedicated his career to identifying and addressing the unmet mental health needs of under-served populations. He has pioneered treatment models that recognize the unique cultural and linguistic needs of different populations, work that has been crucial to bridging disparities in care for Latino and rural communities, in particular.

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris

Founder and CEO, Center for Youth Wellness

IMPACT: Highlighting the psychological impacts of childhood trauma

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has been a driving force in establishing the science that explains the potentially debilitating effects of adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, on the physical and mental health of growing children.

State Senator Richard Pan

California Senator, District 6

IMPACT: Fostering leadership and oversight in CA’s mental health system

Senator Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, has stepped up to make mental health care a political priority in California and is attacking barriers to quality care with his effective blend of analytical acuity, determination and pointed discussion.

Dr. Steven Adelsheim

Director, Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing

IMPACT: Reshaping the treatment paradigm for youth mental illness

We are grateful for the work of Dr. Steven Adelsheim, Director of the Stanford Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Dr. Adelsheim has been a thoughtful and determined champion for early, intensive intervention with young people at risk of brain illness and for integrating those services into school and community settings.

State Senator Jim Beall

California State Senator, District 15

IMPACT: Embracing mental health as a legislative priority

We salute Senator Jim Beall, a San Jose Democrat who for years has claimed mental health as a priority, infusing his legislative efforts with passion and intellect as he has worked to strengthen our safety net of care.

Rusty Selix

Co-author, Mental Health Services Act

IMPACT: An unwavering voice for mental health care reform

The indomitable Rusty Selix is a co-author of the Mental Health Services Act and the former longtime head of the CA Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies. His decades of advocacy have transformed the landscape for mental health treatment in California.